The first of many new drive-thru locations for Maui Wowi Hawaiian will be coming soon to Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The master franchisee, who operates under the name Takween Commercial Investments Co., will be leading the new development alongside new operations director Yasser Zaki, adding to the coffee and smoothie company’s presence in the Middle East and bringing the convenience of the drive-thru concept to Riyadh.

“This is an exciting time and gives us the opportunity to expand at a new level internationally,” says executive vice president Erin Hicks. “There is a huge market for premium Hawaiian coffee and tropical fruit smoothies in this region and drive-thru locations are popping up everywhere; the possibilities are endless.”

As a representative of Maui Wowi Hawaiian, Hicks will travel to the Middle East in May to support the opening of the new location.

In addition, she will be accompanied by the director of global franchise development, Justin Livingston, as well as the company’s master coffee roaster, Tommy Thwaites from Coda Coffee Co.

The three of them will host the first-ever international Java Jam, a closed-door training and certification for franchisees and employees, to learn everything there is to know about coffee and espresso.

“Our coffee is the best in the world, and the more knowledgeable our worldwide staff is about the products, the more information they can provide to the customer,” Hicks says. “Upholding the highest level of standards and a commitment to providing unparalleled support and training is a top priority for us as a company.”

While overseas, they will be exhibiting in Egypt for the 2013 MIFE Middle East and North Africa International Franchise Exhibition, May 15–18, at the Cairo International Fairgrounds.

It is the first time Maui Wowi has exhibited in Egypt. Emad Fahim, the master franchisee for Egypt, has organized the show to find interested candidates in the Maui Wowi concept and further introduce its products to the Middle East.

Fresh fruit smoothies and espresso drinks will be served at the show, allowing prospects to sample the product and discover the franchising opportunities available to them.

The new drive-thru location in Riyadh will open by mid-May and is located across from the Panorama Mall.

Maui Wowi plans to open three additional drive-thru locations in Riyadh by the end of the year.